Janko Nikolich-Zugich: The Biology of Aging: Why Our Bodies Grow Old

Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich presented the second lecture of the College of Science’s Living Beyond 100 lecture series on January 31, 2012. Dr. Nikolich-Zugich is, Professor and Department Head of Immunobiology; Co-Director, Arizona Center on Aging, at the University of Arizona.

Abstract: All organisms age, but we really do not have a clear explanation how and why. Do we have to grow old? Can we identify processes that can impact aging of particular parts of our bodies or, even better, of our entire bodies? Where do we stand with anti-aging interventions? This lecture will address theories of aging, emphasizing those that show most potential promise. The incredible promise of research on aging to extend healthspan and lifespan will be contrasted with the vast and unregulated world of anti-aging supplements and with the incredibly small investment we are making in developing credible anti-aging interventions.